Entropion In Dogs
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
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And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Entropion in dogs is a congenital condition that occurs when the eyelid inverts or rolls inward. The dog’s eyelashes will regularly scrape the eyelid when the disease is developed.
The lower dog’s eyelid is most commonly affected when a dog has entropion.
It can affect the upper eyelid but is more common in the lower. Entropion is typically an inherited abnormality.
This disease can even occur in both eyes. The consistent rubbing of the eyelashes against the eyeball can be very painful for a pup. Entropion can also lead to scarring, vision loss, or corneal ulcers.
Which Dog Breeds Are Prone To Entropion?
Dogs with heavy face creases and droopy eyes are more prone to entropion. Cats are rarely affected.
The breeds that are most commonly affected are the following:
- Dalmatian
- Akita
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Pekingese
- French Bulldog
- Japanese Chin
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Pomeranian
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Rottweiler
- Siberian Husky
- Weimaraner
- Smaller Poodle
- Bassett Hounds
- Spaniels
Even the giant breeds are commonly diagnosed with Entropion:
- Mastiff
- Saint Bernard
- Newfoundland
- Great Pyrenees
- Great Dane
- Bernese Mountain Dog
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Symptoms of Entropion
Entropion is easily observed as the eye takes on a different look, and your dog will react to try to ease the pain.
Some of the many symptoms could include the following:
- Eye redness
- Inflammation of the inner eye
- Redness of the eyes
- Reacting from light sensitivity
- Excessive tearing
- Blinking
- Eyes have mucus
- Dog rubs eyes with paws
- Abrasion of the cornea
- Dulls spots on eyes which could be a corneal ulcer
- Lethargy
- Yelps in pain
What Causes Entropion in Dogs?
Entropion is a congenital disease, and most puppies are born with it.
Other causes can include:
- An eye inflammation
- Injury or trauma that affect the eye
- Infection that spreads to the yes
- Skin laxity in older dogs that is an effect of aging
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Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will first want to know if there have been any changes to the eye or trauma that might have caused the entropion.
Eye drops will typically be placed in your dog’s eyes not only to ease the pain but make it easier for the vet to diagnose when giving an optical exam.
Ophthalmologists are often required, particularly in severe cases.
A fluorescein test is performed if the vet or ophthalmologist thinks your dog has a corneal ulcer or abrasion.
The fluorescein is a dye that is placed on the cornea and will stick to any damage of the cornea. Sometimes your vet will take a test that measures the dog’s ability to produce tears.
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Surgery & Other Treatment Options
Eyelid surgery is the best and most successful way to treat entropion.
The ophthalmologist performs a surgery called a blepharoplasty that removes a small piece of tissue from the affected eyelid and pulls together and sutures the remaining tissue.
The dog will have to be put under general anesthesia.
Some dogs will need more than one surgery, especially if the entropion occurred at a younger age and the eyelids changed through aging.
Lid tacking is another procedure used for puppies from 6 to 12 months old that are affected by entropion. A stitch is placed on the affected eyelid or eyelids with the goal that as the puppy’s lid develops, it will roll out normally.
Unfortunately, this is not always a long term solution.
Dogs with corneal abrasions will be prescribed to take some antibiotic eye drops and atropine drops or even ointment. This helps to ease the pain and spasms that sometimes accompany the scrapes.
If atropine drops are taken, try to keep your dog out of the sun.
If your dog has a corneal ulcer, a soft lens is sometimes put in the affected eye. Or antibiotics, non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications, as well as atropine, might be recommended.
If the ulcer doesn’t heal, surgery could be required to remove the damaged tissue.
Brow lifting is a rare but sometimes used procedure that places permanent implants in the affected eye. Although non-invasive, this procedure is not always available or effective.
Surgery Recovery
The veterinarian or ophthalmologist will give you the post-surgery directions.
Usually, dogs are required to stay indoors with outdoor bathroom breaks being supervised. Often, an Elizabethan collar is necessary until the sutures have been removed. Any sun or bright lights need to be avoided.
Your vet will also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and pain relief meds. Antibiotics are sometimes given to prevent infection.
Follow up visits with the vet will be necessary to see the progress of the healing and then to remove sutures.
Dogs with corneal ulcers or abrasions will be required to come in once a week for an eye exam and to make sure the cornea is healing correctly.
Dogs that have to undergo entropion surgery have an excellent prognosis with a 90% success rate. Their ability to lead a happy life and see properly is usually the result.
In some cases, a second surgery could be necessary to correct the disease, particularly in younger dogs.
How Much Does Entropion Surgery Cost?
The average cost for entropion surgery is anywhere from $350 to $600 if the surgery is performed by your dog’s regular vet (and in less severe cases).
However, if a veterinary surgeon or ophthalmologist perform the surgery, the cost can go up to as high as $1,500. Of course, the cost depends on where you live and the surgeon’s experience.
The post-surgery costs with the prescribed medication, vet follow-ups, and other supplies could be another $300 to $400.
Prevention
There is no prevention for entropion. If you do have a dog that is affected, that dog should not be bred as it will be passed onto the offspring.
Watch for the signs, and you can get on top of the disease if it occurs in your dog. And your dog will continue to live a long, happy life!
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Can Pet Insurance Help with Entropion?
If your dog is a breed that has a pre-disposition for entropion disease, you should seriously consider pet insurance.
Pet insurance will help offset the cost of the surgery up to 90%, and the prescribed medication is usually reduced by at least half.
And if you are lucky enough to have a dog that doesn’t have entropion, the pet insurance will undoubtedly offset any other illness or even accident that occurs. It can truly be a big savings.
If pet insurance is of interest to you and you don’t know where to start, our guide can help answer your questions and give you a list of the best pet insurance companies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Entropion in dogs?
Entropion in dogs is a congenital condition where the eyelid inverts or rolls inward. It is most commonly seen in the lower eyelid and can cause the dog’s eyelashes to rub against the eyeball, leading to pain and potential complications such as scarring, vision loss, or corneal ulcers.
Which dog breeds are prone to Entropion?
Dogs with heavy face creases and droopy eyes are more prone to entropion. Breeds commonly affected include Bulldogs, Boxers, and other breeds with facial folds.
What are the symptoms of Entropion in dogs?
Symptoms of Entropion include a change in the appearance of the eye, and the dog may react to alleviate pain. Some common signs include excessive tearing, squinting, and rubbing of the affected eye.
What causes Entropion in Dogs?
Entropion is primarily a congenital disease, meaning most puppies are born with it. Other potential causes include trauma or changes to the eye
How is Entropion diagnosed in dogs?
Diagnosis involves a veterinary examination, often with the help of eye drops to ease pain and facilitate an optical exam. In severe cases, ophthalmologists may be involved, and tests such as the fluorescein test may be performed.
What are the treatment options for Entropion in dogs?
The most successful treatment is eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to remove a small piece of tissue from the affected eyelid. Lid tacking is another option for puppies, but it may not be a long-term solution. Other treatments include medications for corneal abrasions or ulcers.
How much does Entropion surgery cost?
The average cost for entropion surgery can range from $350 to $600 if performed by a regular vet, and up to $1,500 if done by a specialist or ophthalmologist. Post-surgery costs, including medication and follow-up visits, may add an additional $300 to $400.
Can Pet Insurance help with Entropion?
Yes, pet insurance can help offset the cost of entropion surgery, covering up to 90% of the expenses. It can also reduce the cost of prescribed medications. Pet insurance is advisable for breeds prone to entropion, providing financial assistance in case of such congenital conditions.
Is there a way to prevent Entropion in dogs?
There is no direct prevention for entropion. If a dog is affected, it is advisable not to breed the dog, as entropion can be passed on to offspring. Regular monitoring and early intervention can help manage the condition effectively.
How does pet insurance work for Entropion?
Pet insurance helps cover a significant portion of the costs associated with entropion surgery and related treatments. It can ease the financial burden, making it a valuable investment for dog owners, especially those with breeds prone to entropion.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.